a tree is nice

Eventually, the effort to undecorate and the fresh space feeling after is nice too, when the house loses some of its big tree energy and can breath a sigh of relief along with its humans. 

A tree is nice. No tree is nice too.

I have to make a very concerted effort during this busiest of seasons, careful not to get caught up in the traditions and the consumerism. The idea, in December, that our affection must manifest itself in yet another sweater is reductive. Most of us don't need more stuff. Time is more valuable, and sometimes harder to supply. 

December is nice. Being done with December is nice too.

Over break we've tried to make time for things we enjoy most - infusing magic and affirming words and eating cookies. We've also tried to give the boys the gift of rest. 

We made time to be with many of our favorite people - a city bus ride to breakfast with a buddy, a Thursday movie matinee, gatherings with grandparents and cousins, a progressive dinner around the neighborhood. Plus screen time and bowling and like six trip to the fish tank store.

The boys had energy to devote to new passions and long-standing interests, aquariums and instruments, water colors and logic puzzles, summer trip planning and recipe trials.

It is hard to write thank you notes wrapped in wearable blankets and in the throes of cat's cradling and I only want to do what I want to do days, but in terms of living out values, we are for sure going to keep putting pens on paper and clothes in suitcases. We are grateful for all of it, and we still have the better part of a week to go!